If you’re considering a sandstone retaining wall, you’re probably wondering if it’s the right choice for you.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a retaining wall material, such as cost, durability, maintenance, and appearance.
But one material that ticks all the boxes is sandstone. Sandstone retaining walls are a great option for many reasons and in this article, we’ll show you;
- Why sandstone is a great material for retaining walls.
- The main reasons to use sandstone in a retaining wall.
- The benefits
- The different types
- The disadvantages
Or, you can find a heap of info on sandstone walls by going to this link.
Why Sandstone is a Great Material for Retaining Walls
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock that is composed of sand-sized grains of minerals or organic materials. It’s a popular material for both indoor and outdoor use because it’s beautiful and durable.
When it comes to retaining walls, sandstone is an excellent choice for many reasons. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider using sandstone for your next retaining wall project.
Aesthetics
One of the most popular reasons to use sandstone for a retaining wall is because of its aesthetics. Sandstone is a natural material that comes in a variety of colours and textures. It can add a beautiful and natural look to any space.
Durability
Another reason to choose sandstone for your retaining wall is that it’s a very durable material. Sandstone is resistant to weathering and erosion, so it will last for many years with proper care.
Low Maintenance
Sandstone is also a low-maintenance material. It doesn’t require much work to keep it looking good. You won’t have to spend a lot of time or money caring for your sandstone retaining wall.
Easy to Work With
Sandstone is also easy to work with, so you can DIY your retaining wall if you’re feeling handy. If you hire a professional, they’ll be able to install your sandstone retaining wall quickly and easily.
Eco-Friendly
Sandstone is an eco-friendly material, so you can feel good about using it in your home. It’s a sustainable choice that won’t damage the environment.
Now that you know some of the top reasons to use sandstone for your retaining wall, let’s take a look at when you should use it.
What are the Main Reasons to Use a Sandstone Retaining Wall?
There are many situations when a sandstone retaining wall would be a great choice. As we explained earlier, aesthetics, durability, low maintenance, ease of construction and eco-friendly are why it’s a great material.
Here are some of the most common times when you should use a sandstone retaining wall.
Natural Look
If you want to add a natural look to your space, a sandstone walls are a great option. The natural colours and textures of sandstone will complement any surroundings.
Built Quickly
If you need to build a retaining wall quickly, sandstone retaining walls are a good choice. Usually, only one contractor is required and there is no concrete required to cure.
Height of the Wall is a Factor
Sandstone retaining walls can be built higher than most walls making them a great option when height is a factor.
Sandstone blocks are available in a variety of sizes, so you can find the right size for your needs.
Drainage is a Factor
Sandstone is a porous material, so it’s a good choice for retaining walls that need to have good drainage. The gaps between the sandstone allow water to pass through, so you won’t have to worry about water buildup behind your retaining wall.
That said its a good practice to always include drainage behind your wall, to divert unwanted water into the appropriate drainage system.
Poor Foundation Material is a Factor
Poor foundations usually mean extra costs in the footings, where sandstone relies on gravity to retain the earth it can move with the earth and still maintain its structure.
Now that you know some of the main reasons to use a sandstone retaining wall, let’s take a look at the benefits of using one.
The Benefits of Using a Sandstone Retaining Wall
As we have discussed there are many benefits to using a sandstone retaining wall. Here are some of the top benefits when you use a sandstone retaining wall.
Movement within the Wall
The beauty of a dry-stacked wall (no mortar joints) is that the wall can move with the conditions. The foundations may be of poor quality material or a tree root behind the wall may cause other types of walls to show cracks. Sandstone can move without breaking and is very tolerant to movement.
Ease of Installation
As we mentioned earlier, sandstone retaining walls are easy to install. If you’re DIYing your wall, you’ll be able to build the wall easily.
If you’re hiring a professional, they’ll be able to install your wall quickly and easily.
Damage is easy to Rectify
If something does happen to your sandstone wall, it’s easy to fix. With the right equipment, sandstone is easy to remove and replace.
No Footing Required
As we mentioned earlier, sandstone doesn’t require a concrete footing. This can save you time and money when building your retaining wall.
Self Draining
Sandstone walls allow water to pass through the open joints in the wall. This means you won’t have to worry about water buildup behind your retaining wall.
The Different Types of Sandstone Retaining Walls
There are many different types of sandstone retaining walls. Here are some of the most common types that you’ll find.
Sandstone Blocks
Sandstone blocks are the most common type of sandstone retaining wall. They come in a variety of sizes and grades, so you can find the perfect rock for your needs.
The most common sizes range from 400mm wide x 400mm high x 1000mm long and up to 1000mm wide. You can also have sandstone cut to your specified size.
Sandstone Logs
Sandstone logs are similar to sandstone blocks, being called blocks in some areas of Australia and logs in others. In some areas, logs are given to a longer length “block”.
Random Size Rocks and Boulders
Random sizes are not usually cut into differing sizes rather have 1 or 2 faces cut so the length and widths vary.
Also, there are differing boulder sizes ranging from a man-handable size to boulders requiring large machinery to place the boulder into the wall.
Gabion Walls
A gabion wall is a type of sandstone retaining wall that’s made of wire cages filled with rocks or other materials. Gabion walls are very strong and durable. They’re often used in commercial applications, but they can also be used in residential settings.
The Disadvantages of Sandstone Retaining Walls
While sandstone retaining walls have many advantages, they also have a few disadvantages. Here are some of the most important disadvantages to consider before building your wall.
Walls require Machinery to Install
Sandstone retaining walls usually require heavy machinery to build the wall. The larger the blocks the larger the machine required. Also, a higher wall requires larger machinery to reach a point where temporary earth ramps are required to reach extremely high walls.
Cleanliness
This can be seen also as an advantage or disadvantage as the sandstone over the years will become dirty from dust and algae growth.
Some people like this natural look for those that don’t a quick water blast will bring the stone back to its original beautiful state. Care needs to be taken when cleaning though not to blast the face of the stone off.
Differing Grades of Stone
There are different grades of sandstone depending on how many sides are cut, the colours of the stone and the type of face on the stone.
Each one of these factors increases the cost of the stone. This then produces two different types of wall, a budget-conscious wall or an expensive, quality wall.
Conclusion
Sandstone retaining walls are a great way to retain soil and keep your property looking neat and tidy. They’re strong and durable, and they come in a variety of different types and sizes.
While they have a few disadvantages, such as the need for machinery to install them and the cost of different grades of stone, they’re still a popular choice for many property owners.
So if you’re looking for a beautiful, long-lasting retaining wall, sandstone is a great option.
If you’re interested in building a sandstone retaining wall on your property, be sure to contact one of our professional contractors. You will find them on your areas page.
They’ll be able to help you choose the right type of wall and size for your needs, and they’ll handle the installation process for you.
Or if you’re looking to do it yourself, contact one of our recommended suppliers in your area also found on your areas page.
You can find more information here for sandstone retaining wall.
